Environmental Protection Policy

Purpose and boundaries

This policy addresses environmental aspects of TWS Maritime Service's own work and its interaction with vessels, terminals, cargo interests and suppliers. It focuses on choices that TWS can reasonably control or influence through planning, purchasing and maritime attendance.

Environmental responsibilities should be considered when agreeing the service scope. An attendance or report does not replace an operator's obligations, regulatory inspections, licenses or specialist environmental assessments.

Preventing avoidable harm

Identify environmental concerns relevant to each task and observe the controls applicable to the site. These may relate to samples, packaging, residues, spills or disturbance of sensitive areas.

Materials used or generated during an assignment must follow suitable handling and disposal arrangements agreed with the responsible parties. Personnel must not discharge waste to water or leave materials where they may escape into the marine environment.

Suspected pollution should be reported promptly to the responsible site representative, with observations recorded within the person's competence and safe access. Specialist response and remediation remain with authorized personnel. Professionals must not intervene beyond their role, training or approved arrangements.

Resources and purchasing

Priorities include avoiding unnecessary printing, extending equipment life where practical and selecting suitable reusable or lower-waste supplies. Samples and evidence must retain the integrity required by the assignment.

Travel planning should consider efficient coordination and remote exchanges where appropriate to the service. Changes must preserve attendance quality, safe working conditions and agreed obligations. Purchasing decisions should consider environmental risks alongside technical suitability.

Evidence and review

Environmental claims require a defined scope, evidence source and explanation of limitations. Statements about carbon neutrality, emissions reductions or recycling rates require substantiation and approval. Numerical targets require an assessed baseline.

The IMO's marine environment work provides sector context for pollution prevention. Its instruments have specific scopes; reference to them does not certify TWS.

Concerns and improvement actions should have assigned follow-up. Environmental observations may be directed through Contact TWS. Reporting must follow the integrity principles in the Code of Ethics.